Does a Dehumidifier Help Get Rid of Bugs?

Here at Hornes Pest Control, we know that moisture and humidity allow many types of pests to thrive. A dehumidifier removes humidity from the air, helping create an environment less hospitable to bugs. While a dehumidifier alone will not eliminate an existing infestation, using one can be an effective part of an integrated pest management plan.

Many of our customers find bugs creeping into homes no matter how clean they keep them. Roaches, mosquitoes, moths and more find ways to get inside and make themselves at home, especially in humid environments. Too much moisture allows them to thrive and reproduce rapidly.

 

What Bugs Are Attracted to Moisture and Humidity?

Many common household pests are drawn to damp areas and proliferate in humid conditions:

• Cockroaches prefer humid areas like sink cabinets, basements and attics where they can easily find food and shelter. Reducing moisture makes these areas less welcoming environments for them to establish nesting spots.
• Mold and mildew caused by excessive humidity provide food sources for pantry pests like moths, weevils and beetles. By controlling humidity, you eliminate the mold and mildew these bugs feed on.
• Humidity allows bed bugs to thrive and reproduce more rapidly since they do not have to conserve bodily moisture. Dehumidification helps slow bed bug growth cycles.
• Mosquitoes lay eggs and breed in standing water. Less humidity means fewer suitable sites for mosquitoes to spawn in peace.
• Centipedes, millipedes and sowbugs seek out damp corners indoors to hide away in. Dehumidification eliminates dark, moist hiding places attractive to these bugs.

How Does a Dehumidifier Combat Bugs?

Running a dehumidifier works to actively dry out the air and create an environment where bugs struggle to survive long enough to build up infestations. It’s about making your home inhospitable to the pests, not friendly and welcoming.

Key Ways Dehumidifiers Deter Insects

1. Removes moisture pests need to reproduce – Less humidity slows population growth by interrupting breeding cycles.
2. Eliminates musty smells that attract bugs – Dehumidifiers purge the smells of mold and mildew that bugs locate food sources by.
3. Creates an unfavorable environment – Dry air rapidly dehydrates exoskeletons and disrupts bodily functions for many bugs, deterring them from infesting an area.
4. Reduces habitat space for bugs – Eliminating damp areas in walls, basements, etc., denies favored hangouts for insects while they nest.

For maximum pest control impact, dehumidifiers must run continuously to keep humidity at bay. Ideally, humidity should stay below 50% to deter most household insects. Anything above 60% presents an environment where pests can easily flourish.

Using Dehumidifiers in Your Pest Management Plan

While dehumidifiers discourage bugs, they do not eliminate existing infestations alone. Effective pest management utilizes multiple tactics:

• Professional insecticide treatments by qualified exterminators kill existing bug populations posing immediate threats.
• Fixing water leaks and improving ventilation removes lingering moisture sources for bugs to return to.
• Dehumidification creates an unfavorable environment for pests down the road.
• Traps and monitors help you spot early signs of new invaders before they spread.

Checking humidity levels regularly and adjusting run times for your dehumidifier helps ensure your living spaces stay dry and unwelcoming to bugs between visits from pest control professionals.

So, Are Dehumidifiers Worth Using Against Bugs?

Dehumidifiers provide 24/7 defense that makes homes inhospitable to insects. While they won’t solve infestations without pest management help, they smartly supplement integrated plans. Used properly, dehumidifiers arm you with better prevention and earlier detection of new bug issues before nests develop.

If you’re dealing with a bug problem in your Georgia home, get in touch with the humidity control and pest management experts at Hornes Pest Control. We serve Augusta and surrounding areas – call (706) 480-9433 or visit our website to schedule an inspection.

FAQs About Dehumidifiers and Pest Control

What humidity level deters most bugs?

Below 50% humidity effectively deters a broad spectrum of household insects. For severe cases, aim for 40% or lower to dehydrate pests.

How often should I run my dehumidifier?

Run dehumidifiers continuously, 24/7, for preventative pest control and consistently lower humidity. Check them daily to ensure proper functioning.

Can a dehumidifier alone eliminate a bug problem?

Dehumidifiers rarely eliminate pest issues alone. Combine them with insecticide treatments, moisture control, sanitation, monitoring and professional services for removal and prevention.

Are expensive dehumidifiers more effective against bugs?

In most cases, affordable mid-range models keeping humidity under 50% work fine. Larger capacity dehumidifiers may be needed for damp basements or crawl spaces.